South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the news that police intelligence files are to be released to the Police Ombudsman following legal action.
She said: “It is thought that the files being withheld from the Ombudsman by the PSNI contained information on informers relating to up to 60 murders.
“I had serious concerns that the intelligence files that were being withheld from the Ombudsman contained crucial information on the Loughinisland atrocity in 1994, particularly details on what was known by informers.
“It is crucial that the Police Ombudsman has access to any and all information as the office sees fit. It is essential for public confidence and so that victims and survivors can have complete faith that the past will be dealt with in an open and transparent manner.
“I am hopeful that whatever information that is contained in these files regarding Loughinisland will be able to assist the Ombudsman in their investigations. The victims, survivors and their supporters deserve to know the truth,” added Ms Ritchie.
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